Action of Enzymes

The wavelength 405nm indicates the action of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase because no light is absorbed in this wavelength, allowing the enzyme to function more efficiently because the light is regulated when other parameters such as pH and temperature are varied.

The effects of temperature on enzyme activity

High temperatures are expected to increase the rate of enzyme activity, whereas low temperatures are expected to decrease the rate of enzyme activity. The enzymes become unstable at very low temperatures. Therefore, test tube 3 is expected to have the highest enzyme activity while test tube 2 is expected to have the lowest enzyme activity. There is a likelihood of test tube 1 and 4 having no enzyme activity. This hypothesis is based on the fact that enzymes work best at temperatures of up to 37˚C. Above this, the enzymes are denatured and as such no enzyme activity is recorded. Test tube one will have no activity as the enzymes are inactive due to the low temperatures. The dependent variable is temperature while the independent variable is the pH.

Effect of pH on enzymes. Most enzymes are expected to have an optimum activity at a pH of 7. Below or above 7 the activity slowly declines. Very acidic or very basic environments highly discourage any enzyme activity to occur. Therefore, test tube 1 is expected to have the highest enzyme activity while test tube 5 is expected to have the lowest activity.

Part 2

Optimum Temperature for Alkaline Phosphatase is 36.5˚C

From procedure three, it is clear that an increase in temperature increases the enzyme activity up to a certain temperature which is 37˚C. Above this temperature, enzymes are denatured, and no enzyme activity is recorded. At 405nm, test tube 3 had the highest enzyme activity followed by test tube two. Test tubes 1 and 4 recorded no enzyme activity as enzymes in test tube 1 is inactive due to the low temperatures while in 4 have been denatured due to the extremely high temperatures.

Optimum pH for alkaline Phosphatase is 6.

Alkaline phosphatase works best at a pH of 7. Below and above 7, the enzyme activity gradually decreases. Test tube recorded the highest enzyme activity while test tube 5 the lowest enzyme activity.

Water is added to the blank so as to dilute the solution. The buffer, on the other hand, is used to absorb the light thereby be enabling one to record the wavelength. The substrate is mainly to provide a surface for the activity of the enzyme.

Some of the experimental treatments that may have resulted in denaturation of the alkaline phosphatase include placing the blank in a hot water bath of 50˚C and adding a buffer of pH 11 to the blank.